Ramaphosa says Cabinet will decide on Mkhwanazi’s Hawks appointment

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that Cabinet will consider the proposed appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better known as the Hawks.

The announcement will follow once Cabinet has considered the recommendation and reached a decision.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia submitted a memorandum to Cabinet last week, seeking its concurrence for Mkhwanazi’s appointment to lead the country’s specialised crime-fighting unit.

Cabinet to consider Mkhwanazi appointment

Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the Professional Soccer League (PSL), Ramaphosa said the proposed appointment would follow the Cabinet process.

“The name of General Mkhwanazi has been put forward; it will go to Cabinet, Cabinet will be meeting, and when Cabinet has decided, the announcement will be made, and that is a Cabinet process.

“I’m sure you want to know what Cabinet is going to decide. But we do not disclose what the Cabinet is going to decide. We only disclose afterwards,” Ramaphosa said.

The memorandum is expected to be presented at the earliest Cabinet sitting.

Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission

Mkhwanazi has been at the centre of national attention since a media briefing in July 2025, when he alleged that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system.

His allegations prompted widespread debate about organised crime and corruption within law enforcement.

Following the briefing, Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. The commission’s work has since been followed by arrests involving several law enforcement officials.

Political groups back proposed appointment

The proposed appointment has received support from political and civil society organisations.

Forum4SA welcomed the recommendation, saying the Hawks need independent and professional leadership capable of pursuing serious crime without fear or favour.

ActionSA also backed Cachalia’s recommendation, describing Mkhwanazi’s potential appointment as a possible turning point in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

ActionSA MP Dereleen James said Mkhwanazi’s 2025 revelations had helped trigger investigations that resulted in arrests, suspensions and dismissals of senior police officials.

She argued that stronger leadership and institutional reforms would be necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Calls to expand Mkhwanazi’s role

Following his July 2025 briefing, there were also calls for Mkhwanazi’s mandate to be extended beyond KwaZulu-Natal, where he served as provincial police commissioner.

Supporters argued that his experience could help strengthen the country’s response to organised crime.

His proposed appointment as national head of the Hawks would place him in a key position within South Africa’s efforts to investigate and prosecute priority crimes.

For now, the decision rests with Cabinet, with Ramaphosa indicating that an official announcement will be made once the process is complete.

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Source: citizen.co.za